New IATA campaign highlights safe travel with lithium batteries

THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched an essential global safety campaign titled ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’. This initiative aims to empower travellers with seven straightforward rules for safely carrying their mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered electronic devices while flying.

As reliance on these devices grows, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen, emphasised, “Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly.” He added that the campaign serves to educate airlines and their passengers on how to safely travel with the gadgets that have become indispensable in our daily lives.

The campaign will be accessible on IATA’s website and social media channels, with material available for use by airlines, airports, and various partners throughout the travel ecosystem. IATA's survey revealed a surprising trend: while the majority of travellers fly with lithium-powered devices, many hold dangerous misconceptions regarding how to transport them.

Misunderstandings abound

A recent survey conducted by IATA highlights the prevalence of lithium-powered devices among passengers: 83% carry a mobile phone, 60% have a laptop, and 44% travel with a power bank. Surprisingly, despite 93% of travellers considering themselves knowledgeable about the regulations for transporting these devices, a significant number still maintain critical misconceptions:

50% mistakenly believe it is acceptable to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage;

45% have the erroneous belief that power banks can safely be placed in checked baggage; and

33% think there are no power limits for power banks or spare batteries.

As we embark on a new era of travel, IATA's campaign seeks to remedy these misunderstandings and ensure that passengers are well-informed about safety protocols.

Seven simple safety rules

The campaign underscores seven essential safety rules that every traveller should keep in mind when flying with lithium-powered devices:

Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.

Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, immediately notify the crew or airport staff.

Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if permitted), and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, rather than in checked luggage.

Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.

Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is gate-checked, remove all lithium batteries and devices beforehand.

Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours), such as those for cameras or drones, confirm with your airline as prior approval may be necessary.

Check airline rules: Always verify your airline’s policies, as regulations may vary by jurisdiction.

By adhering to these guidelines, travellers can ensure their own safety and that of their fellow passengers while navigating the skies with greater peace of mind.